On 24th February the celebrations in honour of St. Benedict, the saint patron of Norcia and Europe, will begin with the lighting of the torch “In favour of peace and a united Europe”.  

This year the lighting ceremony will be particularly significant: indeed, the sacred fire will be taken from the remains of the St.

Benedict Basilica in a town where, compared to last year, the red area of the historical centre was reduced by over 90%. 

On 7th March, in Piazza St. Pietro, Pope Francis will bless the Torch accompanied by the torch-bearers of the teams of marchers from Subiaco, Norcia and Casino, in charge of accompanying the flame of the Patron Saint to Berlin too, the European Capital chosen this year to host the Peace Message.

After his return in Italy the Torch will be received on 17th March at the Sacred Cave of Subiaco and on 18th March in Cassino, in both circumstances accompanied by the exhibitions of the historical parades of the three towns. On Tuesday 20th March the Torch will reach Norcia, and on 21st March it will conclude the Benedictine religious and civil celebrations simultaneously in the three towns. 

For further information:

http://www.comune.norcia.pg.it/